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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 







* 



DISCOURSE, 



IN TWO PARTS, 



PREACHED AT THE 



COMMENCEMENT 



OF THE 



Jttneteent!) Century 



by JOHN LATHROP, d.d. 

PASTOR. Off THE SECOND CHURCH IN BOSTON. 



IMIBI llll 



boston: 

PRINTED BY E. LINCOLN, 

For JOHN WEST, No. 75, Corkhill* 

'i 

1801. 









fc-ng 

•Is "35 






Century, zDitcourACi 



mm j'iHuw jwm , 



Psalm lxxviii. t ^3, 6 £5* 7* 
w / will open my mourn in a parable, i will 

UTTER DARK SAYINGS OF OLD. 
* c WHICH WE HAVE HEARD AND KNOWN? AND OUR 

FATHERS HAVE TOLD US* 
H THAT THE GENERATION TO COME MIGHT KNOW 

THEM? EVEN THE CHILDREN WHICH SHALL BE 

BORN : WHO SHALL ARISE AND DECLARE THEM 

TO THEIR CHILDREN. 
" THAT THEY MIGHT SET THEIR HOPE IN GOD? ANB 

NOT FORGET THE WORKS OF GOD? BUT KEEP HIS 

COMMANDMENTS** 

VV HEN in the decline of life, it is 
no fmall confolation, that we may ftill be ufeful, 
by relating the remarkable interpofitions of Prov- 
idence in favor of our country, which our fa- 
thers have related to us ; and by transmitting 
thofe maxims of wifdom, thofe doctrines and pre- 
cepts, thofe civil and religious inftitutions, which 
we have received, and which we were taught to 
reverence. 



t U 1 



., 



As we have not only finiflied one year, and 
are now entering on another ; but have juft feen 
the end of one important Century, and are enter- 
ing on a new one, I have thought it might be 
pleafing and ufeful, to place ourfelves, as on an 
eminence, from which we may look back on the 
paft, and look forward into the future. 

Such a review of the pall, as we {hall be able 
to bring intq the prefent exercife, you are fenfi- 
ble, mult be very imperfect ; enough however 
may be faid, to draw forth our gratitude and won- 
der, and teach us to depend on the power and 
goodnefs of God. 

It would be pleafing, had we time, to go back 
to the day on which the fathers of New-England 
difcovered the mores of America, and mark their 
principal labors and fufferings, as well as the 
divine interpofitions, for their protection and 
fafety. 

Never did a company emigrate for nobler 
purpofes ; never did people fubmit to more hard- 
fhips, to fecure an inheritance for themfelves and 
their children.. 

But as a review of the whole fpace, from the 
day our fathers difcovered the fhores of America 
to the prefent date, would be too extenfive for 
the time I now mean to requeft of you, we 
fhall confine ourfelves to events of the laft 
Century : and here, it may be unneceffary to 
fay, we can attend only to a few of the meft 
important. 



t f 3 

At the beginning of the 18th Century, an am- 
bitious and powerful monarch was on the throne 
of France, and a queen of great celebrity on the 
throne of England. Thofe two powerful nations 
were confidered as natural enemies, and every ef- 
fort was made by each to weaken and deftroy 
the other. 

From the enmities of thofe powerful nations, 
and the neighbourhood of the French and Indians 
to the Britifh Colonies, we may account for the 
favage and cruel wars which were made on them 
from the firft, and which were continued through 
a great part of the Century now finifhed. 

We will attend a few minutes to the condition 
of the Colonies, in relation to France and Eng- 
land, at the beginning of the Century. 

As early as 1604, a Colony of French people 
was fent to Canada by Henry the IVth. The 
country was afterwards conquered by the Englilh, 
but given up again by treaty in 1632. From that 
time the French increafed their fettlements, and 
never refted, until they obtained pofTeflion of all 
the commanding waters, from the Gulf of St, 
Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico. 

At the beginning of the laft Century, the 
Britifh fettlements, which were chiefly on the fea 
more, extended from Nova-Scotia to Georgia. 
The French held the ereat rivers and lakes, with 
the immenfe country back of us, from the north-. 
eaft to the fouth-weft. 



! * 1 

1The vaft wildernefs between the Englifli fet- 
dements on the fea mores, and the French fettle- 
memts back of us, was inhabited by numerous 
favage tribes. 

By arts the moft fubtle, and labors the moft 
arduous, the favages were generally fecured in the 
French inter eft. 

Priests were employed among them every 
where, who, to make them profelytes to the 
church of Rome, not only loaded them with pres- 
ents, but condefcended to their favage way of 
life. 

As the French had thus fecured the favages 
in their intereft, whenever a war happened be- 
tween the French and Englifh, thafe. numerous 
tribes were employed to fpread alarm and mifery 
on all our borders. <+ 

It is difficult to conceive of a people expofed 
to more dangers and hardfhips, than our fathers 
were fubje&ed to, from the firft. 

Having fome idea of their dangers and diffi- 
culties, while attempting to fubdue the wildernefs, 
and obliged to defend themfelves againft their en- 
emies, it will be proper to point out fome of the 
remarkable fteps by which the providence of God 
conducted them, and raifed their offspring to 
their prefent ftrength and glory. 

It will not be faid, that an exercife of this fort 
is too hiftorical for the pulpit, and for the Lord's 
day, when it is confidered, it is a hiftory of re- 



i 







t 9 3 

markable interpofitlons of Providence in favor 
of the fathers of our country : a hiftory of the 
means by which the God of heaven has been 
pleafed to conduct a handful of people, through 
dangers and fufFerings, to a degree of ftrength 
and refpectability, which demands the attention 
of the world. No objection will be made to my 
reading a hiftory of this fort, a hiftory in which 
we are deeply interefted, when it is confidered, 
a confiderable part of the Scriptures, which we 
read in the houfe of God, is a hiftory of the He- 
brew nation, or of individuals who made a figure 
in the times when they lived. 

But as I prefume none will object to my re- 
lating fo much of the hiftory of our country, as 
may be ncceffary to illuftrate the fubjedl before us, 
I will go on. 

At the beginning of the laft Century, the 
American Colonies were in as great danger of 
conqueft and overthrow, as at any time from the 
firft. The French fettlements at the back of them 
were increafed, and the tribes of favages, who 
were under French influence, were in full ftrength. 
Although retired a little from the neighbourhood 
of the Engliih, the wildernefs was full of them. 

Sad experience had made it evident, the Col- 
onies could enjoy no lafting quiet, fo long as the 
French had poffeflion of St. Lawrence and the 
lakes. But how to difpoffefs them was the 
queftion. 



c « i 

Great Britain had done little or nothing for 
the prote&ion of the infant fettlements. The pa- 
rent country had witneffed the fufferings of her 
children, but on account of more important en- 
gagements, or reafons beft known to herfelf, fhe 
fuffered them to ftruggle with their enemies, and 
defend themfelves as well as they could ; until it 
appeared that Lewis the XlVth was determined 
to annex them to his American dominions. 

Two unfuccefsful attempts were made by the 
Britiih government to take Canada j one in 1690, 
and the other in 171 1. . 

While thofe attempts mowed either a want 
of wifdom, or a want of fpirit, on the part of the 
Englifh, they provoked the French and Indians 
to greater cruelties. The country was kept in 
continual alarm. Many towns were burnt ; ma- 
ny people, men, women and children were mur- 
dered. 

Excepting fhort intervals of peace, the Col- 
onies, particularly at the northward, were harraff- 
ed by the French and Indians, without any effec- 
tual check to their depredations, or fecurity 3 
againft farther inroads, until the taking of Nova- 
Scotia, in 1744, and Louifburgh, in 1745. 

The fuccefs which attended a fmall body of 
men, raifed in the New-England Colonies, and 
affiled with a few ihips of war, aftonifhed all 
Europe. 

On that occafion, joy was expreffed in every 
countenance. We, who remember the event, re* 



{ 9 1. 

member alfo the offering of praife and thankfgiv- 
ing which was made to the Moft High. Every 
houfe almofl was a temple, and every heart an 
altar. 

i The French, exafperated at the lofs of an im- 
portant fortrefs, which was indeed the key to 
their fettlements, determined on an expedition 
the next year, not only to regain what they had 
loft, but to conquer the whole country* For thia 
purpofe Duke de Anville failed from France with 
a large naval force, and eight thoufand foldiers. 

The news of this armament, and its deftina- 
tion, filled the country with diftrefs : but our fears 
were foon removed : the Heavens defended us i 
by ficknefs and ftorms, a force which was fuffi- 
cient to fpread confirmation and mifery through 
all our coafts, was deftroyed. The Commander 
in Chief put a period to his life by poifon, and 
the fecond in command fell on his own fword. 

A pious hiftorian of our own, the Rev. Dr. 
Belknap, obferves, " Never was the hand of 
Providence more vilible than on this occafiom 
Never was a difappointment more fevere on the 
fide of an enemy, nor a deliverance more com- 
plete, without human help, in favor of this 
country." 

But while the inhabitants of the Colonies had 
great reafon for thankfulnefs, and began to think 
they fhould now have deliverance from their ene- 

B 



[ io ] 

mies, their repofe was but of fhort continuance, 
and their troubles returned with aggravating 
circumftances. 

By the treaty of Aix la Chaple, in 1748, Lou- 
ifburgh was given up to the French, and they 
were again put in poffeflion of all their ftrong 
holds at the eaft, the north and the weft. 

Experience had taught the French, and their 
favage allies, it would in future be lefs dangerous 
to make inroads on the fouthern Colonies, than 
on the northern ones. They accordingly took 
poffeflion of fome advantageous pofts on the Ohio, 
and in 1754 began to make encroachments on 
Virginia. 

Although the brave Washington entered 
the road to military glory, in his attempts to repel 
French encroachments and favage barbarities, in 
1754 and 1755, the ftrength of the enemy remain- 
ed formidable and alarming. 

Braddock was defeated on the banks of Mo- 
nongahela. The expeditions of Shirley and 
Johnson againft Niagara and Crown Point, end- 
ed in difappointment. 

One General after another was fent from Eu- 
rope to command; and recalled, one after another, 
in difgrace. Such of us as were at that time paft 
our childhood, remember the general diftrefs. It 
feemed as if no force could be collected, fufficient 
to flop the march of French trpops, or to defend 
our country againft the infults of favages. 



[ M ] 

In thofe days of diftrefs, all who had any fenfe 
of religion, called on God ! He heard the cries of 
the afflicted, and granted deliverance. 

In 1758 an aftonifhing change took place in 
the tide of events, which continued until the en- 
emies of our country were put to confuiion, and 
a peace was eftablifhed, greatly to the advantage 
of England and the Colonies. 

In 1758 Louifburgh was again taken from 
the French ; they alfo loft feveral important 
places at the weft. 

In 1759 Qiiebeck furrendered to the fucceffor 
of the immortal Wolf; and in 1760 all Canada, 
with the fortreffes on the lakes, fubmitted to the 
Britifh arms. 

This was an event which had been long de- 
fired, but from the difficulties which had attend- 
ed prior attempts, an event fo happy, fo intereft- 
ing, was little expected. 

How did our' hearts rejoice on that occafion, 
an occafion ftill frefh in the memory of many of 
us ! " We fang praifes to the Lord, and talked 
of all his wondrous works." We faid, " Had it 
not been, the Lord was on our fide, when men 
(of a ftrong nation, and tribes of favage name) 
rofe up againft us, they had fwallowed us up 
quick. The waters had overwhelmed us, the 
ftream had gone over our foul." " Our foul is 
efcaped as a bird out of the fnare of the fowler : 
the fnare is broke and we are efcaped." 



L" * I 

We who had fo long heard the noife of war, 
and were in danger of total fubjugation to a per* 
fecuting and defpotic government, faid within 
ourfelves, in the day that the Lord wrought our 
deliverance, " We ihall no more fee trouble. 5 ' 

But our expectations were too flattering : we 
were foon taught the millennium was not come. 
Troubles arofe from a quarter we leafl expected ; 
our deliverers became our opprefTors. 

Before we had time to forget our fufferings, 
and reft after the fatigues of a bloody war, exac- 
tions were made by the parent country, which 
were judged unjuft and cruel. 

To enforce unlimited fubmifllon, the flrength 
of Britain was directed againft the Colonies ! and 
the very fayages, which the French had employ- 
ed, but a few years before, to burn, and to mur- 
der, were now engaged by the Britifh for the fame 
dreadful purpofes. 

The war thus made upon our country, the ef- 
fects of which are Hill vifible, was more alarming 
than any before ; becaufe the forces which Britain 
could bring againft us by fea and land, were more 
numerous than any other nation could bring. 
Her navies commanded the ocean ; and all that 
country at the north and the weft, which the 
French had held in former wars, was now held by 
the Englifti. The various tribes of Indians were 
alfq at their direction. 



How foon was the fcene changed ! The joy 
which we felt, on the conqueft of Canada, in- /""^ 
1760, feemed to 11s as a dream. Poorly were we £ 
able to contend with the mod powerful nation on 
the earth : a nation which had lately humbled 
France, and triumphed over all her enemies. But 
we thought our caufe was juft, and Heaven was 
propitious. 

The force of Britain, with all her auxiliaries, 
was refitted by the newly raifed troops of our 
country, three years, without aid. After they had 
obtained many fmaller advantages, and captured 
one of the beft armies that England ever fent acrofs 
the Atlantic, France interpofed, and by timely af- 
fiflance, completed our deliverance. 

Peace was again reftored. The terms obtained 
by the minifters on the part of America, two of 
whom are ftill living, were in all refpecfcs as ad- 
vantageous as could have been expected, and fuch 
as confounded the enemies of our country.* 

At the treaty of Paris, in 1783, the thirteen 
United States of America were acknowledged to 
be free, fovereign, and independent ; and were ac- 
cordingly admitted to the rank which they now 
hold among the nations of the earth. 

The fpace, from 1783, to the end of the Cen* 
tury, has been crowded with events, highly 

* His Excellency John Adams, now Prefident of the United States. 
His Excellency John Jay, now Governor of New- York. 
His ExcellencyB-ENjAMiN Frankun, now dead, 



t u 1 

interefting to the American States, and to the 
world. 

Exhausted by an expenfive and diftrefling 
war, the people fighed for repofe ; and having 
fecured the great objeds, which had called forth 
their utmoft exertion, they funk into a flate of 
languor, from which nothing could roufe them 
but new dangers. 

A virtuous army, difcharged without pay, 
and creditors of every defcription were neglected, 
until they fuffered the lofs of a great part of what 
was due to them. 

The lofs of public credit was followed with 
that lofs of private confidence, which had an un- 
happy effect on the morals of the people, on com- 
merce, and all improvements in fociety. 

. The evils were every where felt, but the rem- 
edy was not provided. 

It was in vain that one State refolved to do 
juftice to its creditors, until a general concur- 
rence could be effected. Maffachufetts, however, 
made the attempt, but the attempt met with 
violent oppofition. 

In 1786 the oppofers of government appeared 
in open rebellion, and we were threatened with 
the horrors of a civil war. Had thofe daring 
leaders fucceeded in their firft attempts, the mil- 
chief no doubt would have fpread and became 
general. 



15 J 

But that Providence, which has watched over 
the American people from the beginning, and 
which has often brought good out of evil, made 
the rebellion in this State an occaiion of vaft ben- 
efit to all the States of the Union : it haftened the 
eftablifhment of the Federal Government, which 
gave life and energy to the whole. 

The eftablifhment of a government, which 
bound all the States to each other, and poffeffed 
fufficient ftrength to compel the delinquent, produ- 
ced effects on the credit and commerce of the 
country, which exceeded the mofl fanguine expec- 
tation. 

Confidence being reflored in government, it 
was foon reflored between man and man. Proper- 
ty, which had lain in a torpid and ufelefs ftate, in- 
ftantly became valuable. Treafures, which had 
lain in the chefts of the wealthy, came into circu- 
lation. Agriculture was purfued with a fpirit 
unknown, becaufe the produce of the fields and 
of the paftures found a price at markets where 
they had not been offered, before America became 
a nation ; and the demands increafed, as commerce 
extended. 

The people of America were in the full pof- 
feilion of all the civil and religious rights and lib- 
erties, which any people can defire on earth ; they 
were rapidly increafing in population, and in im- 
provements in thofe things which lefTen the mif- 



t 16 3 

eries, and which increafe the happinefs of focfety* 
at the commencement of the prefent diftracled 
condition of Europe* 

The French revolution, which I dill think 
originated in a defire to render the condition of 
that nation more free and happy, has been fol- 
lowed with confequences of the moil diftrefling 
nature : confequences which the friends of the 
revolution beheld with infinite concern, but were 
not able to prevent* 

The nation was foon divided into angry pari- 
ties ; each endeavoring to deftroy its oppofite. In 
thofe dreadful colli£ons, not only the king and 
the royal family, but multitudes of innocent peo- 
ple perifhed* 

In a contention between the friends of ancient 
forms, both of government and religion, and the 
advocates for revolutions and amendments, the 
neighbouring kingdoms felt interefled. 

Those who were connected with the crown 
of France, by blood or alliances, efpoufed the caufe 
of injured royalty : thofe who wilhed to fee the 
overthrow of canon and feudal fyftems, efpoufed 
the caufe of the firft promoters of the revolution. 

The conteft has been fevere, and the calamities 
which have attended it find no parallels in the 
laft Century, and very few in the hiftory of the 
world. 



( 17 1 

Europe is now panting and bleeding with 
wounds innumerable. 

In fuch dreadful feafons of war and mifery, 
as the kingdoms of Europe have experienced irx 
the lafl ten years, multitudes of innocent people 
unavoidably fufFer. Neutrals, who wim to pur- 
fue their bufinefs in quietnefs, are obftructed and 
molefted. 

While the utmoft endeavors were ufed, by 
the Executive of the United States, to preferve 
peace with the contending powers, and to .obtain 
fatisfaction for the wrongs committed on Ameri- 
can citizens, it was certainly expedient to put the 
country in a defeniive pofition. 

No youthful nation, perhaps, ever appeared in. 
a more noble and commanding attitude, than did 
the American, on the 13th of July, 1798, when 
Adams was Preiident, and Washington accept- 
ed the commiffion of " Lieutenant-General and 
Commander in Chief of all the armies raifed, or 
to be raifed, for the fervice of the United 
States." 

Goo knows what fcenes are to follow ! Wash- 
ington is called to the world of fpirits, and 
Adams will foon refign the high office which he 
now holds to another. The reins of govern- 
ment will be committed to new hands. Future 
armies will be commanded bv new Generals. 



£ 18 1 

Should they poffefs the talents and the virtues of 
their illuftrious predecefTors, America may ftill 
be happy. But, on the contrary, mould it fo 
happen, (which we pray God to prevent) but 
ihould it fo happen, that men, without talents or 
without virtue, without prudence or difcretion ; 
without thofe great qualifications, which the 
rulers of our nation have hitherto pollerled, ob- 
tain the high offices of government, pofterity will 
weep over our country, and fay, The glory of 
America departed with the eighteenth 
Century. 

I have now paffed, with as much hafte as 
was confident with our prefent delign, over the 
laft Century. I have been more particular, per- 
haps, than was neceflary, in marking the events 
which are ftill frefh in the memory of fuch of 
you as are paft the middle of life ; but while it 
is not amifs to call the attention of the aged to 
the things which they have feen, it is of particu- 
lar importance to teach the young what God 
has done for them ; " that they might not for- 
get the works of God, but keep his command- 
ments." 

The preceding narrative leads us to admire 
the workings of Divine Providence, by which 
the proud are humbled, and the crafty are difap- 
pointed ; while the weak are protected, and 
thofe who were ready to perifh are raifed to 
eminence. 



C '9 1 

The prefervation of our fathers in the wil- 
dernefs, when but a handful, and when expofed 
to the rage of the heathen and the French, who, 
from the firft, were deviling mifchief againft 
them, was nearly, if not in truth, miraculous. 

In our day, and in years but lately paffed 
away, the good hand of the Lord has protect- 
ed us. 

Little did the nations of the earth imagine, 
a few Colonies, without fhips, without any reg* 
ular troops, or preparations for war, could refift 
the forces of Britain, ufed to conquer, and tri- 
umphant on the other three quarters of the 
world. But on thefe fhores the pride of 
Britain was humbled ; her armies were con* 
quered. 

We will not fay, " By our own arm we have 
gotten the victory." It was "the right hand 
and the holy arm of the Almighty that fav- 
ed us." 

Never did a nation rife in the world, under 
greater advantages than the American. Never 
was a nation, fince the Hebrew, favored with 
more lingular interpofitions of Divine Provi- 
dence, for its protection and fafety. Never had 
a nation ftronger reafons for gratitude and 
praife. 



t 3° 1 

Having attended to as many important events 
as we have been able to crowd into the preced- 
ing exercife, we are next to look forward to 
things which may, and to things which will un- 
doubtedly take place, before the prefent Century 
fhall be finifhed. But this part of the Difcourfe, 
which is the moft interefting, mull be left till 
we meet again. 



bw^i— iwjuB-uii— a— ai ' iwi nw miiu'iiim'WunM 



Genturu QDldcourde. 



PART IL 



Psalm lxxviii. 2^3, 6^7. 

"/ #*7Z£ 0i>£iV MY MOUTH IN A PARABLE, I WILL; 

UTTER DARK SAYINGS OF OLD. 
" WHICH WE HAVE HEARD AND KNOWN, AND OUR 

FATHERS HAVE TOLD US. 
" THAT THE GENERATION TO COME MIGHT KNOW 

THEM, EVEN THE CHILDREN WHICH SHALL BE 

BORN : WHO SHALL ARISE AND DECLARE THEM 

TO THEIR CHILDREN. 
* c THAT THEY MIGHT SET THEIR HOPE IN GOD, AN& 

NOT FORGET THE WORKS OF GOD, BUT KEEP HIS 

COMMANDMENTS.'* 

X O preferve, and to tranfmit knowl- 
edge of the moil valuable kind, there was not on-, 
ly a record made of the divine communications 
to the patriarchs and prophets, but men of re* 
ligion, and men whofe years gave them import- 
ance, related to their children the inftructions 
which their fathers had given them, together 



[ 22 2 

with the ftory of what they had heard and 
feen. 

In fuch ways hiftorical facts were not only 
preferved, but thofe religious opinions, thofe 
maxims of wifdom, thofe rules of conduct, thofe 
cufloms and practices, which form the character 
of tribes and nations, were kept in remembrance, 
and imprefTed with happy effect on young minds, 
from generation to generation. 

The laudable cuftom of the ancients, which 
has now been mentioned, fuggefted to me the 
propriety of giving to my Difcourfe, at the be- 
ginning of the year, and of the Century, the par- 
ticular caft which you have, and which you may 
farther obferve. 

Having marked as many important events 
in the hiftory of the 1 8th Century, as we could 
conveniently, when we were laft together, we 
{hall now, agreeably to the method propofed, 
look forward, and in our thoughts, anticipate 
fome events which may, and fome which certainly 
will take place, before the Century now begun 
fhall be iinifhed. 

This is a more difficult work than we have 
already performed. Of the things which are 
paft, which have been acted and finiihed, we may 
have fufficient knowledge from books and rec^ 
ords, and the hiftory tranfmitted to us ; but 



t »3 3 

who, without the fpirit of prophecy, can tell us 
what is yet to come ? 

Solomon, indeed, tells us, "That which hath 
been, is now j and that which is to be, hath al- 
ready been." The words of Solomon, however, 
muft be taken in a qualified fenfe. Like caufes 
produce like effects ; but when the caufes do not 
exift, the effects cannot. 

There is a fufficient uniformity in the revo- 
lutions of the heavenly bodies, in the feafons, 
and in the common events of life, from year to 
year, and from age to age, to juftify the royal 
preacher in faying, " That which hath been, is 
now ; and that which is to be, hath already 
been, and there is no new thing under the fun ;" 
while it is evident, many very interefting events 
take place in one age of the world, and in one 
Century of years, which do not, and are not to 
be expected in another. 

Some things may be expected, becaufe the 
figns of them are forefeen, and the caufes are 
evidently at work, which, if not counteracted by 
oppofite principles, will produce them. 

Some things may be expected, becaufe they 
are in the courfe of nature, 'and muft take place 
in due time, unlefs prevented by a miracle. 

I will, in the firft place, requeft your attention 
to fome things which may be expected, becaufe 




C 24 3 ' 

the figns of them are forefeen, and the caufes are 
evidently at work, which, if not counteracted by 
oppofite principles, will produce them. 

We fhall then attend to fome things which 
are to be expected, becaufe they are in the courfe 
of nature, and mull take place in due time, unlefs 
prevented by a miracle. 

First, we mall attend to fome things which 
may be expected, becaufe the figns of them are 
forefeen, and the caufes are evidently at work, 
which, if not counteracted by oppofite principles, 
will produce them. 

Our Lord, having foretold the deftruction of 
Jerufalem, and the ruin of the nation, faid unto 
his difciples, who wifhed to know when they were 
to look for thofe things, "Now learn a parable of 
the fig-tree ; when his branch is yet tender, and 
putteth forth leaves, ye know that fummer is 
nigh , fo in like manner, ye, when ye fhall fee all 
thefe things, know that it is near, even at the 
door." 

There are caufes which tend to the growth 
and refpectability of families, of States, and of na- 
tions ; and there are caufes which as certainly 
tend to their difgrace and ruin. 

There are caufes which tend to the advance- 
ment of knowledge, of virtue and true religion ; 






C *5 ] 

and there are caufes which tend to ignorance, vice 
and infidelity. 

The general principles, now mentioned, will 
never be called in queftion. Let us confider them 
with reference to our own country, and our fu- 
ture expectations. 

The beginning of the 19th Century finds 
the United States of America under circumflances 
more favorable to the enjoyment of rational hap* 
pinefs, than any other quarter of the globe. 

Should we look back, and attend to the 
means which have been ufed, and the caufes which 
have been working, to bring the United States 
to their prefent condition, we may conclude, if 
the fame means, or means of a like nature, are 
continued, the condition of our country may be 
ftill improved, and the fources of enjoyment may 
be more extended. 

What was the object, which our fathers 
placed before them, when they crofied the At- 
lantic, and planted themfelves on the American 
fhores ? The great object, which the fathers of 
the New-England Colonies more particularly had 
in view, was the enjoyment and fecurity of 
rights and liberties, of a religious and civil na- 
ture, which were denied them at home. 

What means did they ufe, fo foon as they 
had opportunity ? What means did they begin 

D 



C * 1 

to ufe when they began their fettlements, and 
continued with unabating zeal, to fecure and 
tranfmit thofe rights and liberties, which they 
confidered as their moft valuable inheritance ? 
Befides common induftry, prudence, and fim- 
plicity of manners, the means which they ufed, 
and on which they moft depended, for the fe- 
curity of the rights and liberties which they 
came here to enjoy, were the means of knowl- 
edge and religion. 

A sufficient number of people were no 
fooner fettled in any part of the country, than 
provifion was made for the fupport of fchools 
and public worfhip. 

By town and parifh regulations, the inhab- 
itants were formed into affociations for their mu- 
tual benefit. By frequently meeting together for 
the worfhip of God, and for other purpofes, 
they know each other's circumftances, and cul- 
tivate an intereft in each other's welfare. The 
poor are affifted ; the vicious are exhorted ; the 
irregular are reftrained ; the idle are taught the 
neceflity of induftry and prudence, and all in 
general are taught their duty. 

That a fufficient number of young men may 
be qualified for teachers of religion, for mafters 
of fchools, and other interefting employments in 
fociety, a college was early eftablifhed in this 
Colony, which example was followed in feveral 



C =7 3 

of the other Colonies, fo foon as they were 
able. 

Although fome people, at this day, treat 
the memory of our fathers with difrefpecl:, and 
reprefent them as weak and fuperftitious, we 
are exceedingly indebted to them for the civil 
and religious inftitutions, which they were fo 
careful to eftablifh. To the inftitutions of our 
fathers, we are, under God, principally indebted 
for our profperity and happinefs. 

Should the means of knowledge, which the 
inhabitants of the American States now enjoy, be 
continued ; mould they preferve a reverence for 
religion, a love for virtue, for order and the pub- 
lic good, we may venture to predict their future 
profperity and happinefs. Should the caufes con- 
tinue to operate, which have raifed the American 
people to their prefent ftrength and refpe&ability, 
their greatnefs, before the end of the Century, will 
furpafs what we can eafiiy imagine. 

The immenfe extent of country, between the 
Atlantic and the inland feas, at the northward 
and the weft, will be filled with civilized inhabit- 
ants. Towns and cities will adorn the banks of 
thofe deep waters, which have hitherto miniftered 
to no commerce, fuperior to that which was waft- 
ed in the barque of the wandering native. 

To fupport the vaft population, fields with corn, 
and paftures with flocks, will be feen in thofe re- 



D M J 

gions of wilder nefs, which have hitherto been the 
abode of the favage, and the range of the wolf 
and. the bear. The mountains will appear like 
Lebanon ; and the hills, like the hill of God. 

If ou will allow me, however, to exprefs my 
fears, that things, very different from what we 
have now contemplated with pleafure, may take 
place. 

The caufes, neceffary to produce the future 
flrength and glory of America, which we fondly 
anticipate, may either ceafe to operate, or other 
caufes may come into exiftence, which fhall pre-. 
vent the effects we expect. 

Certain changes, in the opinions and habits 
of the American people, may take place, which 
fhall bring on a condition more gloomy, than we 
can eafily conceive. 

We have feen what the Colonies were able to 
do, when united and virtuous. When few in 
number, and when they had none on earth to 
help them, they defended themfelves againft the 
favages of the wildernefs, and againft all the 
forces which France and Britain, at different times, 
were able to bring againft them. But the union, 
which gave flrength to the American people, in 
their contefts with favages, and with foreign ene- 
mies, may not always continue : fufpicions and jeal- 
oufies, which have a repelling force, may fo divide 
the people from each other, from the.government, 









C *9 ] 

and from their beft interefts, as to render them 
contemptible and wretched. 

Our country profpered beyond example, while 
there was a difpofition to fupport the religious, 
the civil, and the literary inftitutions which our 
fathers eftablifhed, and which they charged their 
offspring to cherifh in all generations. But it is 
far from being certain, that all fucceeding gener* 
ations will efteem thofe things which were highly 
efteemed by the patriarchs of our country. 

Hitherto the government of the Colonies, 
and of the now United States, has encouraged 
learning, and protected the wormippers of the 
true God. This, however, may not be always 
the cafe. 

Should the disorganizing principles of mod- 
ern infidels prevail, religion will be defpifed, and 
its inftitutions will be neglected. In this coun- 
try, religion and learning have been clofely aU 
lied : they have conftantly given aid to each 
other. The friends of one were the friends of 
both. If feparated, both will decay. If an at* 
tempt mall ever be made to fupport one without 
the other, both will withdraw their cheering in- 
fluence, and leave the country in darknefs and 
guilt. 

It is poilible fuch a change may take place, in 
the opinions of the people and of the government 
of this country, as mall have the mod unhappy 



t 30 ] 

effect on literature and morals, and, in fhort, on 
all thofe inftitutions which were highly efteemed 
by our fathers, and which we have been always 
taught to refpect. 

The time may come, when learning fhall be 
defpifed, when fchools fhall be neglected, when 
colleges and churches fhall be fufFered to fall to 
the ground ; when the worfhip of God fhall be 
ridiculed, and the fupport of the Chriftian re- 
ligion fhall be confidered as a burden no longer 
to be endured. 

The time may come, when the leaders of the 
people may wifh to have a government in which 
there mall be no acknowledgment of a God, no 
obligations of a facred nature, no regard to a 
future exiftence. 

Such a change in the opinions, in the mor* 
als and habits of the American people, as we have 
now fufFered ourfelves to imagine, we know is 
fojjible. We know fuch a change is poffible, be- 
caufe fuch changes have taken place in other 
parts of the world. By induftry and hard labor, 
the wide extended wildernefs in other quarters 
of the world has been turned into fruitful fields, 
into villages and cities ; in which the virtues have 
been cultivated, fcience and religion have flour* 
ifhed. The people of thofe very countries have 
afterwards become idle and vicious, intemperate, 
luxurious and impious. Their fruitful fields and 
cities have been laid wafte, and turned again in- 



« 



t 3* 3 

to a wildernefs. The wretched inhabitants were 
either deftroyed, or fuffered to continue in pov* 
erty, and leave pofterity to inherit their miferies. 
Many countries might be named, were it necef- 
fary, which have, in ages paft, experienced 
changes diftreffing to contemplate. No other hif- 
tory need be confulted for proof, than the rec- 
ords of the Jews. 

Such a change in the opinions, the morals 
and habits of the people of this country, as mall 
prove ruinous to the inflitutions of our fathers, 
and in the end fruftrate the deiign of their ven- 
turing to thefe fhores, we know is pqj/ible, but you 
will fay, fuch a change is highly improbable. 

But why, let me afk, why is fuch a change 
highly improbable ? 

Is it highly improbable that the inhabitants 
of this country will, at fome future day, entertain 
an opinion, that our fathers were weak and fu- 
perftitious \ and that, however proper their in- 
ftitutions were in the infant (late of the country, 
they are not to be regarded by their more wife 
and liberal offspring ? 

Is it highly improbable, that before the end 
of this Century, a majority of the people of 
America will be fo corrupt in principle and prac- 
tice, as to diflike the restraints of religion, and 
wifh no longer to be reproved or exhorted ? 

Is it highly improbable, that within a hundred 
years, more than one half of the influential peo- 



[ 32 J 

pie in the United States of America will be un- 
believers of the Gofpel, and of courfe enemies to 
the Chriftian religion ? 

Should that be the cafe, can we fuppofe, after 
fuch a change in the opinions and habits of the 
people, our country would be bleffed with virtu- 
ous and Chriftian rulers ? 

* 

So long as the government of our country 
fiiall be eleclive, it may be fuppofed the people 
will appoint fuch men to the high offices as favor 
their opinions. 

Should a time come, when the greater part 
of the people in this country cherifh principles 
of infidelity, and defpife the Gofpel, it may be ex- 
pected the rulers of the country will be infidels ; 
and of courfe, the religion of Chrift will be dis- 
couraged, its minifters will be defpifed, if not per- 
fecuted ; the Sabbath will be profaned ; the wor- 
fhip of God, and the moft facred ordinances, will 
be neglected and ridiculed. 

While our government fhall continue to be 
elective, the public opinion muft give it both form 
and complexion. If the people fhall generally re- 
main virtuous, the government will be fuch as 
to pleafe them : but ihould the time come, when 
the people in general, when a majority of thofe 
who make the laws and appoint the rulers, love 
vice and hate religion, the government will be cor- 
rupt, the rulers will be impious, and the ruin of 
our country will be inevitable. 



[ 33 ] 

I have no willi to lefTen your prefent happi- 
nefs, or diilurb your repofe, by exciting unnec- 
effary fears : but in faithfulnefs, I mufl fay, there 
are fymptorns of degeneracy, at this prefent time, 
which portend evils of the moil ferious nature. 

There are caufes now in operation, which, 
if not counteracted in lefs than an hundred years 
from this time, will give quite a new complexion 
to the moral and political Hate of our country. 

There have been men in various parts of the 
United States, who, by converfation and by writ- 
ing, have endeavored to prejudice the people 
againfl the laws, and the adminiflration of the 
government. Our greatefl benefactors have been 
reviled ; their moil diimterefled actions have been 
attributed to bafe and felfifh motives. Such has 
been the fpirit of party, and fuch the confequences 
of mifreprefentation, and the abufe which has 
been call on the befl characters among us, that 
the reputation of none, who have been diftin- 
guifhed on either fide, could be fafe. Should 
this evil fpirit continue to work, and the divif- 
ions excited thereby increafe, from year to year, 
our government mull fall a facrifice to falfe no- 
tions of liberty, and our moll precious rights be- 
come the prey of the licentious and profligate. 

What I fhall next mention is ftill more alarm- 
ing ; there are men in various parts of our coun- 
try, efpecially in populous towns and cities, who 

E 



I 34 1 

are confhntly endeavoring to prejudice the people 
againft the Chriftian religion. In the capital of 
one of the States, lectures are delivered and pub- 
HJhed againft Christ and the Bible. You would 
be furprifed, if you knew with what induftry fuch 
books are circulated, and with what avidity they 
are read, as reprefent the writings of the prophets 
and apoftles as fables, which ought to be treated 
with as little refpecfc as the fables of the heathen. 

Such caufes are now operating ; and the ef- 
fects are already vifible, in the increafe of infidel- 
ity, in the growing contempt for religious inftitu- 
tions, and neglect of public worfhip. 

But perhaps you will fay, if this be all true, 
we muft not be difcouraged, nor have we occa- 
fion to be alarmed, as if fome new thing had hap- 
pened, or caufes were now at work, to deftroy 
Chriftianity, which were never at work before. 
There have always been infidels, and the greateft 
part of the world has been unfriendly to the 
Chriftian religion from the beginning, yet the 
Gofpel remains, and the powers of hell have not 
been able to banifh it from the earth. 

It is granted ; but while infidels have not been 
able to deftroy Chriftianity, they have driven the 
Gofpel from particular parts of the earth, where 
it once flourifhed, and given the government to 
thofe who would not fuffer Chriftians to dwell 
in their light. 






t 35 1 

Many of thofe delightful parts of the world., 
which now fupport the mofques of Mahomet, or 
the altars of paganifm, once fupported the churches 
of Chrift. Infidels prevailed againft the followers 
of Jefus, and either deftroyed, or drove them 
away. 

Instances enough are to be found, to fhow 
us what the friends of religion would have rea- 
fon to fear, were the government in the hands of 
infidels, or men grofsly wicked. 

We have therefore reafon to be alarmed, 
when we fee infidelity prevailing, and know that 
certain caufes are operating, which will bring 
mifery and ruin on our country, if not oppofed 
with zeal and activity. 

What then fhall we do, perhaps you will in- 
quire, what fhall we do to prevent the apprehend- 
ed, the approaching mifchief ? 

I will anfwer ; do every thing in your power 
to fupport and ftrengthen thofe civil and religous 
institutions, which our fathers honored, and in 
the obfervance of which their children rofe to 
refpecl. Do every thing to promote virtue, 
order, peace and unity. Watch over the mor- 
als of the young with the utmoft care. Teach 
them obedience to parents, obedience to gov- 
ernment, and obedience to God. Prevent, as 
much as poffible, the increafe of infidelity, and 
the diffemination of all corrupting opinions, E#« 



C 3« 3 

courage learning and religion, the only pillars 
which can fupport our prefent comfort, and our 
future expectations. 

The hiftory of our own country, and the 
knowledge which we have of human nature, warn 
us againft confiding too much in the promifes and 
friendihip of any nations on earth. Nations are 
governed by their own interests, and often by the 
pride, the jealoufy, and the refentment of thofe 
who are in high offices. 

The moft warlike nations of Europe have, at 
different times, been our friends and our enemies. 

While we treat all the nations with whom 
we have any connexion, with due refpect, we are 
bound by particular obligations to our own. 

It is the American character, combined with 
the Chriftian, which we are concerned to fupport. 

Ambition for the honor of our country is a 
noble ambition. The man who has no regard for 
the honor of the country to which he belongs, is 
unworthy of its bleffings. The man who loves 
another country more than he loves the country 
which gave him birth, had better go to the coun- 
try which he admires, and leave the land of his 
nativity to fuch as know how to enjoy it. 

While we pray for the happinefs of all man* 
kind, we are more particularly concerned for the 
country in which we live. 









t 37 ] 

The Hebrews were taught to pray for the 
peace and profperity of Jerufalem : the obliga- 
tion is of equal force on Americans. 

The happinefs of our country embraces the 
happinefs of all ranks and orders of people, from 
the higheft to the loweft. People of all ranks 
and orders will add to the general happinefs, by 
giving fupport to religion, to learning, and to 
good government. 

Having exprelfed my mind with the freedom 
which I have always indulged, and led you to 
meditate on fome events which we have reafon 
to fear will take place, but which we ftill hope 
God will mercifully prevent ; before I clofe the 
Difcourfe, I mud lead you to think of fome events 
which we may expect, with certainty, and which 
to us are highly important. 

Among the events which we may expect, with 
certainty, and which to us are highly important, 
I will mention our own death, and the death of 
pur moil valuable connexions. 

Every year makes an alteration in the con- 
dition of our families and friends. A coniider- 
able number of thofe who were prefent, and 
heard me fpeak at the beginning of the laft year, 
are now dead. An equal number will probably 
die before the prefent year mall be finimed : and 
before the end of the Century now begun, we 
fnall all be dead ! 



C 33 3 

Another voice will be heard from this pulpit, 
if the houfe, in which we are now affenibled, fhall 
continue to be a place of religious worfhip. 

Other people will occupy your feats. Your 
time for hearing will be finifhed, as well as my 
time for fpeaking. The places which now know 
us, will know us no more : we fhall no more be 
feen to come and go together from the houfe 
of God. 

Before the end of the prefent Century, we 
fliall all — not only thofe who are now advanced 
in life, but thofe who are now young — we mall 
all be filent in the grave ! 

This is a folemn thought : it calls for folemn 
improvement, 

Permit me, therefore, to fpeak to you with 
all the feeling of your pallor, who muft ere long 
give an account to God, and with all the affection 
of a friend, who wifhes to do you good. 

Permit me to leave with you my teftimony 
to the Gofpel, which I have fo long preached, 
and my beft wifhes for your prefent and future 
lrappinefs. 

I declare unto you, I have no hope of a hap- 
py exiftence beyond the grave, but that which the 
Gofpel gives rne. I believe the Gofpel. The 
evidence which I have frequently laid before you 



C 39 ] 

is fufficient'to convince me, the Gofpel is a meffage 
from God. 

I believe Jefus Chrifl died for finners ; I be- 
lieve he arofe from the dead, and that all who 
humbly obey him, will be happy forever. Let 
me then, above all things, befeech you to receive 
and obey the Gofpel. 

The Gofpel is not a cunningly devifed fable. 
Whatever the bufy apoflles of infidelity ; what- 
ever the difciples of the ancient or the modern 
fchool of atheifm may have infinuated, the Gofpel 
is not a cunningly devifed fable. It is a meffage 
of divine grace, brought to mankind by a perfon 
of infinite dignity -> and it demands our ferious 
confideration. 

I believe the happinefs of our country, with 
which our comfort in this life is clofely connected, 
depends on its virtue, on its union, on its adher- 
ence to thofe religious and civil inftitutions which 
our fathers taught us to reverence. 

Were it poffible, therefore, for me to know, 
this Difcourfe, at the beginning of the year, and at 
the beginning of the nineteenth Century, will be 
the laft I fhall ever deliver to you, I would clofe 
life, and the miniftry which I have received of the 
Lord, befeeching you to " hold faft the profeflion. 
of your faith without wavering, for he is faithful 
that promifed." Give no heed^ " to feducing 









[ 4» ] 

fpirits," or to any who may feek to " turn you 
from the holy commandment." 

" Finally, brethren, be of good comfort, be 
of one mind, live in peace : and the very God of 
peace fan&ify you wholly : and I pray God your 
whole fpirit, and foul, and body be preferved 
blamelefs, unto the coming of our Lord Jefus 
Chriil." 



A M E A\ 



LIBHAHVOFCONG™ 




°011 527 3255f 



